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South Africans in Germany

November

As we move into the month of November in Germany, we are welcomed by the chilly winds of autumn, the picturesque landscapes with trees shedding their last leaves, and the upcoming festive season that promises to be a time of warmth and joy. With the days getting shorter and the nights longer, this is the perfect time to bundle up and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or glühwein (mulled wine) as you take in the beauty of the season. Germany is known for its charming Christmas markets, which are set up in almost every town, with stalls selling handmade crafts, delicious treats, and warm drinks. Whether you prefer the bustling cities or the quaint villages, there is something for everyone in this magical season. So, embrace the season and enjoy the wonders that November in Germany has to offer!

SeasonAutumn
TimeCentral European Time (CET), Wintertime – One hour behind South Africa.
Weather

The temperatures average between 2.6°C and 7 °C. It could be warmer or colder, depending on the location. The average daily sunshine is between three and four hours.

Plan your month

everything you need to know

Festivals

Looking for a way to brighten up the dark and cold winter nights? Why not try visiting some of the beautiful Christmas gardens that are lit up with festive lights and decorations? Take a stroll through the twinkling lights and see the Christmas trees, snowflakes, and reindeer come to life with bright colors and flashing patterns. You can soak in the festive atmosphere and indulge in some hot cocoa or mulled wine. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening out or a fun activity for the whole family, Christmas gardens offer a unique and unforgettable experience that will brighten up your winter season.

Holidays

HolidayDateInformationStates
Public Holidays
Allerheiligen (All Saints Day)01 NovemberAllerheiligen (All Saints Day)BW, BY, NW, RP, SL
Buß-und Bettag (Repentance Day)22 NovemberBuß-und Bettag (Repentance Day)Sachsen
Observations
Allerseelen02 NovemberAll
Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass)09 NovemberKristallnachtAll
Fall of the Berlin Wall09 NovemberAll
Martinstag11 NovemberSt Martin' DayAll
Volkstrauertag19 NovemberNational day of mourningAll
Totensonntag 26 NovemberTotensonntagAll
1. Advent03 DecemberFirst Advent SundayAll
School Holidays and Terms
Autumn HolidaysShool Holidays 2023

Events listed on our website

Thabilé

17/06/2023 – 25/11/2023 @ 12:00 am – In her new album „Read My Lips“, Thabilé’s musical range encompasses genres such as jazz, soul, Afro, gospel, pop and R’n’B. The musical arrangements of the highly talented producer Steve Bimamisa are immensely captivating due to their instrumental clarity, without being obtrusive. Her vocal presence is varied, perfect, embracing and warm. Songs such as „Read […]

Juanita du Plessis “live in Amsterdam”

27/01/2024 @ 7:00 pm – Juanita du Plessis live in Amsterdam Tickets available at Ticketkantoor.nl Disclaimer: This event is not organised by the admin of this website, we only share it for information purposes

Charity Wine Tasting

23/11/2023 @ 6:00 pm – It is time for our pre-Xmas charity walkabout wine tasting and Xmas shopping for charity! Walkabout and taste wines with purpose from South Africa – wines grown at a protea sanctuary, WWF-certified wines, organic and vegan wines and much more. Snacks will also be provided. And if you are on a dry November before you […]

The Travelling Art Gallery

02/11/2023 – 25/11/2023 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm – The Travelling Art Gallery is an artists’ initiative of contemporary artists from South Africa. Visit one of our upcoming exhibitions or browse through our online art catalogues at your leisure. Click on the images to open the respective catalogues. For art purchases and questions, please contact them by email at hello@thetravellingartgallery.com  

Online Wine Tasting

25/11/2023 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Online Tasting with Gerard Holden from Holden Manz You’ll get to know one of the most beautiful wineries in South Africa. But Holden Manz is not just a visual delight – their wines are a true dream. Gerard acquired the estate with his partner Migo Manz in August 2010, when it was still known as “Klein […]

Virtual get-together 7 December 2023

07/12/2023 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Join us for a casual monthly get-together. The idea is to get to know other Southern Africans, support each other and share our ideas and tips on life in Germany. Follow the Skype link: Skype Meeting  – You do not need a Skype account to participate  

Some foods and drinks to try

01.

Venison

The best season for wild game is Autumn and early winter. Best served with red cabbage and knödel

02.

Hearty Food

If you want to warm up, try some hearty food like Rouladen, Linseneintopf or Kartoffelsuppe

03.

Schlachtplatte

Schlachplatte translates to Slaughter Plate. It usually consists of Blood sausage, liver sausage, Kassler or boiled pork belly, sauerkraut and boiled potatoes

If you want to warm up, try some hearty food like Rouladen, Linseneintopf or Kartoffelsuppe

03.

Pumpkins

You will see a variety of squashes and pumpkins in the shops and farmstalls.
Try a hearty pumpkin soup with pumpkin seed oil or Stuffed Hokkaido Pumpkin.

04.

Zwiebelkuchen

Onion Tart is delicious served with Federweißer

05.

Federweißer

Federweißer or new wine is available from late summer to the end of October, but you can still find some in November

Fruit and Veggies in Season

Vocabulary

Autumn der Herbst
Autumn leaves die Herbstblätter
Parsnips die Pastinaken
Savoy cabbage der Wirsing
Pumpkin der Kürbis
Pumpink seed oil Das Kürbiskernöl
Christmas Market der Weihnachtsmarkt
Advent time Die Adventszeit
Venison  Das Wild, Das Hirschfleisch, das Reh

Sources

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Weather in Germany

German Climate Germany’s climate is temperate and marine, with cold, cloudy winters and warm summers and in the south occasional warm föhn wind. The greater